Challenges of Pedestrian Mobility in Indian Cities: A Call for Action

Despite walking being a primary mode of transport for many in Indian cities, inadequate footpaths and infrastructure pose serious challenges. Citizens and activists are advocating for better pedestrian facilities to ensure safety and accessibility.

In India, the struggle for pedestrian mobility is an ongoing issue across its bustling cities. A self-initiated survey by Arun Pai, who founded Bangalore Walks, highlights the unmanageable obstacles faced by pedestrians in Bengaluru's poorly maintained footpaths. To drive change, he set up a challenge where participants documented barriers like broken pavement and roadside stalls while measuring overall footpath usability, aiming to compile data to present to local authorities.

Mr. Pai is not alone in his endeavor; across India, citizen groups are mobilizing to create more pedestrian-friendly urban spaces. In Delhi, for instance, a tour company advocates for better cycling and walking infrastructure while promoting awareness initiatives to highlight the need for functional footpaths. These street paths, however, remain scarce and are frequently obstructed by vendors, vehicles, and improvised living quarters, worsening the plight of pedestrians navigating busy thoroughfares.

With nearly half of Mumbai’s population relying on walking, yet slipping through the cracks of urban planning, projects like the 'pedestrian manifesto' released by the Walking Project aim to bring attention to the dire condition of roads and push for essential reforms. Proposals include clearer hawking zones, accessible footpaths, and dedicated pedestrian corridors, reflecting the voices of a marginalized group in transportation policy decisions.

Statistics reveal the urgent need for pedestrian safety, with more than 10,000 pedestrian deaths recorded in 2022 alone. Activists emphasize that superficial solutions, like traffic signals or speed bumps, won't tackle the root problem. Comprehensive infrastructure improvements are crucial for pedestrian safety and encourage walking as a practical mode of transport.

Research conducted in Chennai demonstrated that the addition of footpaths resulted in a notable shift toward walking, promoting environmental and economic benefits while also enhancing community accessibility. However, a lack of awareness about what constitutes effective pedestrian infrastructure hinders progress, and many view walking merely as a leisure activity rather than an essential means of navigating urban life.

Experts like Geetam Tiwari argue that urban planning heavily prioritizes vehicle movement, neglecting pedestrian access. This oversight complicates connections to public transport, exacerbating congestion issues. Addressing pedestrian infrastructure is suggested to alleviate traffic bottlenecks in the long term.

Furthermore, implementing a Non-Motorised Transport Policy could catalyze improvements for cyclists and pedestrians alike, yet very few cities currently explore such initiatives. Advocates suggest that cities must step up to prioritize pedestrian mobility to enhance overall urban living standards, making a case for pedestrian rights alongside public transport considerations.